Another Newbie, some views and some questions
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Posts: 46,084
Hi,
I've only recently discovered the Basic Stamp and decided to give it
a go. I have no electronics experience at all - I don't even know
what colour the bands are on a 1k resistor.
Anyhow, I decided to jump in and purchased the Stampworks kit (plus
anonther NX-1000 BASIC Stamp Experiment Board) some DS1620s and a
couple of RF modules.
I had great plans for myself and started through the book that comes
with the kit. At first it was quite easy, the book explained that I
should insert a 220 ohm resistor (and went on to say that the bands
would be Red-Red-Brown) but it only ever mentioned the colours on
once I.e when it referred to other resistors it didn't make any
mention of the band colours. I don't need to be told to strip the
insulation of wires more than once but when you're starting out more
info on resistors etc would be useful. What made things worse was
that the resistors were all in one bag, it would have been usefule
for them to be in separate LABELED bags, at least I'd have a fighting
chance.
Once experiment said to use a 0.1f (104k) capacitor - Now I know the
F is for Farads.. but I, and I know that a capacitor is like a mini
tin-can.. but I couldn't find it...
I went through a couple of the projects, couldn't do the
server/stepper motor stuff because I don't know what the 0.1f
capacitor looks like.
The "Challenges" at the end of each project really NEED to have the
ANSWER (prefeably in the back) so that you can check that you've got
it right... before destroying your 349 usd work of equipment!
I don't think that this book/kit knows who it's aiming at - If I knew
electronics than I wouldn't need to be told how to wire up an LED...
but if I don't then I need to know what the all chips and stuff are..
preferably in separate labeled bags...
Having said all that I've stumbled along and don't appear to have
blown anything up - which is good. My first 'real' project was to
combine the use of the DIP switches, DS1620 and RF Tranceivers. I'm
prettry please that it 'sort of' works - I can't tell if it's me or
the fact that the Transcievers are playing silly bu**ers. I tested
them with the Master/slave CRC and Xor code and even though the
checksums matched is was obvious that the data wasn't right... I'll
keep at it though...
So onto the questions,
1. Is there going to be an ethernet module? I had a look around and
saw Rabbit Semiconduction has an all-in-board (chip, Ethernet, TCP/IP
stack) for around the price of a Basic Stamp II). I'd like (if
possible to move from (what seems to be unreliable) wireless to wired
using ethernet.. I looked at http://www.embeddedethernet.com but
their board requires all but 1 pin and is 75 USD a pop!! (ready made)
2. The next big problem I face is moving the parts off the NX-1000
BASIC Stamp Experiment Board to it's own little board... an this is
the bit that worries me.. I've no idea where to start... any ideas??
3. Is there due to be a BS40p prototyping board?
I've lots of other questions but I've gone on for long enough (you
prbably didn't read this far anyhow ;-) )
Many thanks
Andy
I've only recently discovered the Basic Stamp and decided to give it
a go. I have no electronics experience at all - I don't even know
what colour the bands are on a 1k resistor.
Anyhow, I decided to jump in and purchased the Stampworks kit (plus
anonther NX-1000 BASIC Stamp Experiment Board) some DS1620s and a
couple of RF modules.
I had great plans for myself and started through the book that comes
with the kit. At first it was quite easy, the book explained that I
should insert a 220 ohm resistor (and went on to say that the bands
would be Red-Red-Brown) but it only ever mentioned the colours on
once I.e when it referred to other resistors it didn't make any
mention of the band colours. I don't need to be told to strip the
insulation of wires more than once but when you're starting out more
info on resistors etc would be useful. What made things worse was
that the resistors were all in one bag, it would have been usefule
for them to be in separate LABELED bags, at least I'd have a fighting
chance.
Once experiment said to use a 0.1f (104k) capacitor - Now I know the
F is for Farads.. but I, and I know that a capacitor is like a mini
tin-can.. but I couldn't find it...
I went through a couple of the projects, couldn't do the
server/stepper motor stuff because I don't know what the 0.1f
capacitor looks like.
The "Challenges" at the end of each project really NEED to have the
ANSWER (prefeably in the back) so that you can check that you've got
it right... before destroying your 349 usd work of equipment!
I don't think that this book/kit knows who it's aiming at - If I knew
electronics than I wouldn't need to be told how to wire up an LED...
but if I don't then I need to know what the all chips and stuff are..
preferably in separate labeled bags...
Having said all that I've stumbled along and don't appear to have
blown anything up - which is good. My first 'real' project was to
combine the use of the DIP switches, DS1620 and RF Tranceivers. I'm
prettry please that it 'sort of' works - I can't tell if it's me or
the fact that the Transcievers are playing silly bu**ers. I tested
them with the Master/slave CRC and Xor code and even though the
checksums matched is was obvious that the data wasn't right... I'll
keep at it though...
So onto the questions,
1. Is there going to be an ethernet module? I had a look around and
saw Rabbit Semiconduction has an all-in-board (chip, Ethernet, TCP/IP
stack) for around the price of a Basic Stamp II). I'd like (if
possible to move from (what seems to be unreliable) wireless to wired
using ethernet.. I looked at http://www.embeddedethernet.com but
their board requires all but 1 pin and is 75 USD a pop!! (ready made)
2. The next big problem I face is moving the parts off the NX-1000
BASIC Stamp Experiment Board to it's own little board... an this is
the bit that worries me.. I've no idea where to start... any ideas??
3. Is there due to be a BS40p prototyping board?
I've lots of other questions but I've gone on for long enough (you
prbably didn't read this far anyhow ;-) )
Many thanks
Andy
Comments
To help in knowing resistor values, go to
<http://www.schematica.com/Freeware/Freeware.htm> and download the
"Resistor Color Code". It's free, very easy to use and only 200
kbytes...
Download also the "555 Timer designer" for your future projects with the
555 timer...
Bye
andy_powell_is@y... wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I've only recently discovered the Basic Stamp and decided to give it
> a go. I have no electronics experience at all - I don't even know
> what colour the bands are on a 1k resistor.
>
> Anyhow, I decided to jump in and purchased the Stampworks kit (plus
> anonther NX-1000 BASIC Stamp Experiment Board) some DS1620s and a
> couple of RF modules.
>
> I had great plans for myself and started through the book that comes
> with the kit. At first it was quite easy, the book explained that I
> should insert a 220 ohm resistor (and went on to say that the bands
> would be Red-Red-Brown) but it only ever mentioned the colours on
> once I.e when it referred to other resistors it didn't make any
> mention of the band colours. I don't need to be told to strip the
> insulation of wires more than once but when you're starting out more
> info on resistors etc would be useful. What made things worse was
> that the resistors were all in one bag, it would have been usefule
> for them to be in separate LABELED bags, at least I'd have a fighting
> chance.
>
> Once experiment said to use a 0.1f (104k) capacitor - Now I know the
> F is for Farads.. but I, and I know that a capacitor is like a mini
> tin-can.. but I couldn't find it...
>
> I went through a couple of the projects, couldn't do the
> server/stepper motor stuff because I don't know what the 0.1f
> capacitor looks like.
>
> The "Challenges" at the end of each project really NEED to have the
> ANSWER (prefeably in the back) so that you can check that you've got
> it right... before destroying your 349 usd work of equipment!
>
> I don't think that this book/kit knows who it's aiming at - If I knew
> electronics than I wouldn't need to be told how to wire up an LED...
> but if I don't then I need to know what the all chips and stuff are..
> preferably in separate labeled bags...
>
> Having said all that I've stumbled along and don't appear to have
> blown anything up - which is good. My first 'real' project was to
> combine the use of the DIP switches, DS1620 and RF Tranceivers. I'm
> prettry please that it 'sort of' works - I can't tell if it's me or
> the fact that the Transcievers are playing silly bu**ers. I tested
> them with the Master/slave CRC and Xor code and even though the
> checksums matched is was obvious that the data wasn't right... I'll
> keep at it though...
>
> So onto the questions,
>
> 1. Is there going to be an ethernet module? I had a look around and
> saw Rabbit Semiconduction has an all-in-board (chip, Ethernet, TCP/IP
> stack) for around the price of a Basic Stamp II). I'd like (if
> possible to move from (what seems to be unreliable) wireless to wired
> using ethernet.. I looked at http://www.embeddedethernet.com but
> their board requires all but 1 pin and is 75 USD a pop!! (ready made)
>
> 2. The next big problem I face is moving the parts off the NX-1000
> BASIC Stamp Experiment Board to it's own little board... an this is
> the bit that worries me.. I've no idea where to start... any ideas??
>
> 3. Is there due to be a BS40p prototyping board?
>
> I've lots of other questions but I've gone on for long enough (you
> prbably didn't read this far anyhow ;-) )
>
> Many thanks
>
> Andy
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
"System DLLs corrupt or missing"
Any ideas?
Andy
--- In basicstamps@y..., Arnaldo Braun <abraun@t...> wrote:
> Hi Andy
>
> To help in knowing resistor values, go to
> <http://www.schematica.com/Freeware/Freeware.htm> and download the
> "Resistor Color Code". It's free, very easy to use and only 200
> kbytes...
>
> Download also the "555 Timer designer" for your future projects
with the
> 555 timer...
>
> Bye
>
Sorry, it's working OK under Win98...
Look about the following DLL referenced in .EXE code:
OleAuto32.dll
GDI32.dll
ComCtl32.dll
User32.dll
Ctl3D32.dll
Kernel32.dll
Perhaps the www.schematica.com people can help you? Try in another
computer...
andy_powell_is@y... wrote:
>
> Thanks for that, though when I try and run either program I get:
>
> "System DLLs corrupt or missing"
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Andy
> --- In basicstamps@y..., Arnaldo Braun <abraun@t...> wrote:
> > Hi Andy
> >
> > To help in knowing resistor values, go to
> > <http://www.schematica.com/Freeware/Freeware.htm> and download the
> > "Resistor Color Code". It's free, very easy to use and only 200
> > kbytes...
> >
> > Download also the "555 Timer designer" for your future projects
> with the
> > 555 timer...
> >
> > Bye
> >
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> Hi,
>
> I've only recently discovered the Basic Stamp and decided to give it
> a go. I have no electronics experience at all - I don't even know
> what colour the bands are on a 1k resistor.
Hi ya Andy,
I too am a novice and only ever knew what a resister was 2 months ago
(not to imply that I now fully understand how to apply them or compute
with great accuracy their integration into circuits......yet).
Taking into consideration differing levels of apptitude, it might be
worth your while to proceed a bit slower but with greater
thouroughness. I understand the desire to move quickly and field
results, to gain instant gratification and satisfaction in sitting back
and observing your succesful projects. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a
day, nor are electrical engineers produced overnight. My limitied
exposure to the field has taught me that GREAT patience is a virtue
here.
The electronics discipline you are entering draws on many skill sets
(mechanical processes, analogue eletronics, digital electronics,
mathematics, physics, etc). A solid grounding in the foundations of the
field will serve you well in the long run. If you do not know how to
find the value of resisters, perhaps it is wise to back up a step or
two and do brief study on resisters themselves: what they are, how they
work, their construction, labeling and marking...what resistance is,
how it is measured, how it works, the physics behind it. In this way,
you will have a better grasp of the componenets you are dealing with
and when you meet them again around the next corner, you will
UNDERSTAND them.
A few reference sources could be of great value to you at this stage.
I own "Getting Started in Electronics'by Forrest M. Mimms and another
reference book by him (the exact title of the latter escapes me now),
you can get these at Radioshack. Simply written, profusely illustrated.
For the true beginner.
"Basic Electricity (Volumes 1-5)" by Van Valkenburgh, Nooger, and
Neville. I am currently reading this systematically, cover to cover.
Highly recommended.
"The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill. I own this and dip into
it at regular intervals as my understanding increases and I make
aquaintance with new components, circuits, and concepts. It is a
sophisticated book and should be digested in small doses to avoid the
descent into insanity. But, it has a wealth of information, a sort of
compendium. something to grow into and aspire towards.
I have a copy of the 'NEC handbook 1999' (National Electrical Code)
temporarily at my disposal to understand housing and commercial wiring,
as I will be interfacing with these systems and need a better grounding
in them, as well as a grounding in 'grounding'.
I have numerous electronics catalogues: Radioshack.com (a nice 1999
version also with full color photos, I use it as a reference
dictionary), Mouser, Digi-Key, Wassco, Jameco. I've learned alot by
browsing through these. For example, on the first pages of the 1999
Radioshack.com Catalogue there is a nice page describing color-coding
of resisters.
A good electronics dictionary would be invaluable, but I do nnot
possess one yet...recommendations?
The web has a wealth of tutorial and reference sites as well.
Have you downloaded all the tutorials from the Parallax site? They have
extensive tutorials ("What is a Microcontroller?", "Industrial
Control", Robotics", etc). 'What is a Microcontroller" has simple
projects to help understand the BASICStamp, and they explain simple
components as they are introduced...they take nothing for granted. For
ex., it includes an appendex with Resister Values and coding.
It can seem overwhelming, but if you proceed systematically and slowly
add to your knowledge base, in no time at all you will know not only
how to select the correct resister from the pile, but you will
understand WHY this particular resister is specified.
Good luck on your project!
Cheers,
-Neal (aka: -n., aka: lovegasoline)
to .exe to the machine I wanted it on at it worked ok... Spooky
Thanks
Andy
--- In basicstamps@y..., Arnaldo Braun <abraun@t...> wrote:
> Hi Andy
>
> Sorry, it's working OK under Win98...
>
> Look about the following DLL referenced in .EXE code:
> OleAuto32.dll
> GDI32.dll
> ComCtl32.dll
> User32.dll
> Ctl3D32.dll
> Kernel32.dll
>
> Perhaps the www.schematica.com people can help you? Try in another
> computer...
>
> andy_powell_is@y... wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for that, though when I try and run either program I get:
> >
> > "System DLLs corrupt or missing"
> >
> > Any ideas?
> >
> > Andy
> > --- In basicstamps@y..., Arnaldo Braun <abraun@t...> wrote:
> > > Hi Andy
> > >
> > > To help in knowing resistor values, go to
> > > <http://www.schematica.com/Freeware/Freeware.htm> and download
the
> > > "Resistor Color Code". It's free, very easy to use and only 200
> > > kbytes...
> > >
> > > Download also the "555 Timer designer" for your future projects
> > with the
> > > 555 timer...
> > >
> > > Bye
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> Hi ya Andy,
> I too am a novice and only ever knew what a resister was 2 months
ago
> (not to imply that I now fully understand how to apply them or
compute
> with great accuracy their integration into circuits......yet).
>
> Taking into consideration differing levels of apptitude, it might
be
> worth your while to proceed a bit slower but with greater
> thouroughness. I understand the desire to move quickly and field
You are of course perfectly right, but results are results :-).. I
got my 'experiment' working ok and have downloaded the resistor
colour code application recommended earlier - which is great! I still
get some odd readings back occasionally. I wrote a small VB app to
talk to the 'server' controller (which then asks the client
controller for it's temperature) at 1 minute intervals. The data is
plotted on a simple graph. I left it running all day yeaterday and
checked the results last night. Most of the results are ok but
occasionally there are spikes at 70 C - I think it's more likely to
be interferance but the units use RF Tranceivers and are only 2-3
foot apart.
> A few reference sources could be of great value to you at this
stage.
I shall have a look for these, thanks VERY much...
> Have you downloaded all the tutorials from the Parallax site? They
have
> extensive tutorials ("What is a Microcontroller?", "Industrial
> Control", Robotics", etc). 'What is a Microcontroller" has simple
> projects to help understand the BASICStamp, and they explain simple
> components as they are introduced...they take nothing for granted.
I've probably donwloaded the entire site :-)
>For
> ex., it includes an appendex with Resister Values and coding.
>
> It can seem overwhelming, but if you proceed systematically and
slowly
> add to your knowledge base, in no time at all you will know not
only
> how to select the correct resister from the pile, but you will
> understand WHY this particular resister is specified.
Yes, this is the thing, WHY (and probably HOW) components do what
they do - I still find it amazing that bits of metal, sand and
ceramic when put together in the right sequence and combinations can
actually produce something - e.g. a PC.
> Good luck on your project!
Thanks - I may well need all the luck I can get ;-)
Andy